BERNARD HOPKINS won a unanimous decision against fellow American Roy Jones Jr in a tough fight in Las Vegas on Saturday night, finally avenging a 1993 defeat in a long-delayed re-match.
There were no knockdowns in a bout characterised by caution but punctuated by stoppages for accidental fouls and a near-riot in the ring at the end of the sixth.
“It was kind of rough,” said Hopkins (45), who improved his record to 51-5-1. “Roy’s a veteran. He was tying me up. I was tying him up. It was a good fight.”
Jones, 54-7, frustrated Hopkins with his effective defence but the 41-year-old had little in attack.
The pattern of each round was similar, with Hopkins attempting to bull Jones to the ropes behind a jab and right hand and Jones looking to tie up or counter with short uppercuts.
At the end of the sixth Jones spun out of a clinch and landed a short punch to the back of Hopkins’ head. Hopkins dropped to his knees and took several minutes to rise.
The round resumed, but they continued to exchange punches as the bell rang. Both corners and security officials entered the ring to separate the fighters and restore order.
